The president and CCO of Cebu Pacific Air (5J, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) says that at some point it will likely integrate AirSWIFT (T6, Manila Ninoy Aquino International), after recently acquiring the carrier for USD31 million, but is in no major hurry to do so.
“I think, over time, we will integrate it,” Xander Lao told the news site InsiderPH in a recent interview. His comment created considerable attention in local news outlets, prompting Cebu Pacific to issue a clarifying statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange the following day.
"The company acknowledges that it has explored the potential integration of the AirSWIFT brand into its operations," the December 3 statement reads. "However, the company wishes to clarify that this is not an initiative currently planned for the near future. While the integration remains a possibility, no definitive plans or timelines have been formulated at this stage."
Cebu took over AirSWIFT in October following a share purchase deal with Ayala Land Inc. AirSWIFT operates two ATR42-600s and three ATR72-600s on short leisure-orientated routes from Manila and Angeles City Clark International to Cebu, Caticlan, Busuanga, and Panglao. The acquisition gives Cebu Pacific access to El Nido, an AirSWIFT stronghold and gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a popular holiday area.
Cebu Pacific is currently benefiting from strong passenger flows and increasing revenues. The airline declared a net profit of USD96 million for the six months to June 30, 2024. It has also recently inked a USD24 billion deal with Airbus to acquire up to 102 A321-200Ns, with a minimum commitment of 70 aircraft and options for a further fifty A320neo family aircraft. Deliveries are due to begin in 2029.
